US Brig Niagara by Tom E - Model Shipways - 1:64 Scale

[Tom E]

Mike, 

Every time I look at the plans, I see new items. It never ends!

But I think I have a plan. 

Most can be put in before hand, that's no problem. 

Probably the only ones I wont put in until I rig it are the eyebolts for the Royal Backstays.

If I'm wrong in placing those, the end product would be uneven, too far away or to close. 

 

Tom E 

 

[Tom E]

Evening, 

Been a while since I updated.  The build does continue!

 

The Captains Skylight is just about done.

After this, its one more small hatch under the Tiller and the furniture will be done.

I remember starting the furniture and being all worried about how to approach it. It was more difficult in my head than in reality. 

 

All of the furniture started with a box then internal supports. 

Then built up the sides.

I don't go all the way up the supports, but within reason. 

What's good about making the sides a bit tall, you can just sand it down to the right height. 

Everything gets a good sanding.

The pencil marks are my center marks. 

I don't try to get to fancy with the curve (camphor?) to the roof. I generally just sand in a gentle slope while sanding. 

From the pencil marks working out, the roof goes on.

Like the deck, I like to pay attention to the grain of the wood. I try for good definition and uniformity as it will be stained.....I try. 

The roof is trimmed to appropriate size.

The windows have been marked. 

My "window cutting" abilities have improved! 

 

One more final sanding and it's off to paint.

 

Go Bruins! 

Tom E 

 

 

[Srodbro]

Tom:

While you are working near the skylight, I was wondering if you intend to include a compass on it. While building my model, I discovered there is no mention of a compass or binnicle in the directions. Nor have I seen one in any build logs. Hard to imagine Niagara without one. 

There is a pic in Jersey City Frankie’s collection of pics of the actual modern ship with a “cabinet” containing the compass forward of the tiller, atop the skylight. 

[Tom E]

Evening, 

Hope everyone is well. All the chores are done, the house is clean and quiet.

Off to the Shipyard I went.

Bonus......Full Metal Jacket is on tv tonight, uncut! One of my top 5 favorite movies. Nothing better than finding a great movie while building. 

 

Steve, 

I really like that idea about a Compass. I think that would look really nice. 

I'm going to research that and see what I can come up with. We'll see what actually comes out in the end! 

 

I've started the 2 Hearts for the Bowsprit. These are laser cut parts and needed a good sanding. 

I slowly sanded out the groves on the side, these things are fragile. 

I'm assuming its "par for the course" to snap these things a few times! 

Luckily this glue stripe should be covered by rope. 

They were stained the same color as the deck furniture. 

I also started mounting Deadeyes to the Tops. 

Took a few times before I actually strung one with a respectable loop underneath. 

 

Then, below, I realized my Deadeyes where upside down!

The two eyes should be on top.

So I got plenty of practice with these. 

With the Deadeyes in the right position, It's starting to come together. 

The Skylight is almost done being painted. 

Bars in the windows will be next, and maybe a Compass?.....Thank You Steve. 

 

Tom E 

 

 

 

[cdrusn89]

Tom,

    I have made a spreadsheet of all the standing and the running rigging that I am going to include (which is most of it even if the clews, bunt and leech lines are tired off at the blocks). If you are interested I will be glad to send you a copy.

 

   I am almost ready to start the mast assembly process, just need a few more lines served and some more blocks stroped.

[Tom E]

Gary, 

That sounds interesting, I'd like to see that. 

 

Thanks, 

Tom E 

[cdrusn89]

Tom,

     I found a few more lines I need to add. It will be a few m ore days before I am satisfied - and I am sure to have missed something(s).

[cdrusn89]

Tom,

   Here is the spreadsheet.

   I purposely did not include the square sail sheet lines, spanker brails or flag halliards - I am not planning on rigging them at this point. By my count there are over 100 running rigging lines without them.

   Standing rigging lines are in bold, running rigging not.

   Hope this helps when you get to that point.

 

Niagara Rigging - for distribution.xlsx

[cdrusn89]

Tom,

 

   As I suspected I just found one addition to the spreadsheet (Spanker sheet). Updated version below.

Niagara Rigging - for distribution ch 1.xlsx

[MESSIS]

Gary great work! Congrats. I have downloaded my self and kept it in my archives. It a great rigging tool. Thank you.

 

Christos

 

 

[Tom E]

Gary, 

I agree with Christos. That's an amazing spreadsheet!

It's nice to see everything neat and organized.

I especially like how it's separated between the Fore, Main mast and Bowsprit....nice touch!

Trying to interpret the plans, and hoping, that I accounted for everything was already in my head. 

 

Many thanks!

 

Tom E 

[cdrusn89]

Tom/Christos,

 

   I am making some changes to my version - so far mostly adding additional "items" to the various lines so I can get an accurate count of how many of the various blocks I need to build. I some cases I only show, for instance one S 1/8 when there should be two (one port and one starboard for instance). I will post an updated version when I get closer (which should be soon) to starting to assemble the masts/yards.

 

   I would also add that the line/block/deadeye/bullseye sizes are what I intend to use, not necessarily what are called for in the plans. I typically only use Syren line so am limited to the .008. .012, .018, .025, .035, .045 sizes that are available there. Just trying for "full disclosure". My lawyer made me do it.

Edited May 16, 2019 by cdrusn89

[GrandpaPhil]

Looking good!

[MESSIS]

Thanks again Gary. Looking forward for your update.

Christos

[Tom E]

Evening, 

I cant believe its been 2 months since I last updated, sheesh! 

 

Suppose swimming, fishing, barbeques and just some plain old summertime fun will get in the way!

 

With the dog days of summer and the humidity in town, time to crank the air conditioner and head to the Shipyard. 

I've got the build itch again!

 

Started right where I left off with the Hearts for the Bowsprit. 

I cheated a bit with a small bead of CA down the outer grooves of the Hearts to anchor the rope. 

One end of the rope has a loop served. 

Sorry for the blurry pic. Its the only one I have of this part. 

A smaller diameter rope wrapped the outside. 

All rope used is from Syren. 

The other end of the rope will go thru the loop and anchored on the underside of the Bowsprit. 

The below shot shows the area a bit better. 

I also started the rear Lazaret Hatch.

This will be the final piece of deck furniture. 

Once I'm a bit further along with this, the Tiller will be next. 

It's great to be back!!!!!!  

 

Tom E 

 

 

[cdrusn89]

Tom,

   Nice to see you finally got back to what is important.  Down here in Florida we stay inside as much as possible in the summer. Winter is the time for barbecues, fishing and other outdoor activities. But anytime in the shipyard is a good time. I wish my bowsprit looked that good.

[Tom E]

Evening, 

More was done over the weekend.

 

I started shaping the Main Topmast. 

I'm hoping to have this shaped and primed by this weekend. The cross trees will be built and installed shortly. 

I finished the rear Lazaret Hatch. 

Still learning! I could have done better. 

With the Bowsprit Hearts prepped, I decided to install the Flying Jib Boom. 

All rope used is from Syren. 

Except for a few things that need to be installed after I step the Bowsprit, It's mostly done. 

I have just started to prep the Catheads.

I've only given these a brief sanding, but I have to deal with the Main Rail soon. 

I'm torn between painting it the recommended Buff color, or all black.

Trying to stay away from the Buff color and I'm leaning towards a Black rail.

 

If I paint the Main rail black, I may stain the Catheads. Probably use the same stain as the Bowsprit for continuity. 

Tom E 

 

 

[Tom E]

Evening, 

Hope everyone is staying cool during this latest heat wave. 

Since I'm stuck inside in the air conditioning, thought I would do some painting. 

 

Really wanted to check the Boot Strap off the to do list. 

Want to get it done before I paint the Main rail. 

I'm going real simple, and have one strip painted dark green. 

 

Maybe not the most scientific method, but should work. 

Any large errors can be cleaned up. 

Not really looking for a perfect boot strap. Looking for symmetry on both sides. 

It may look a little ragged, but should clean up. 

A few coats will be necessary. 

In the end, It may be a bit lower than I wanted it, but I can live with it. 

Had to include the below pic. 

Every once in a while I'll go to the New Hampshire State Liquor store. Stock up.

The prices are insane! The below 2 bottles in total was only $35.

The rum alone would be $20 or more in other states. 

 

Every time I walk out of there, I feel like I've robbed the place. 

 

Stay Cool!

Tom E 

 

 

 

[MESSIS]

Cheers sir! Wonderfull! Keep on sailing.

Christos

[mikiek]

On 5/11/2019 at 12:45 PM, Srodbro said:

Tom:

While you are working near the skylight, I was wondering if you intend to include a compass on it. While building my model, I discovered there is no mention of a compass or binnicle in the directions. Nor have I seen one in any build logs. Hard to imagine Niagara without one. 

There is a pic in Jersey City Frankie’s collection of pics of the actual modern ship with a “cabinet” containing the compass forward of the tiller, atop the skylight. 

Tom - re: your compass - in those days a compass (or several) were usually mounted into a cabinet called a binnacle. The binnacle was set in front of the wheel/tiller. There were several typical requirements:

1. all cabinet hardware to be made of brass or copper - iron could confuse a compass

2. there should be a place to set candles next to the compass - for night vision

3. the cabinet had to be able to completely enclose the candles else they might be seen from a distance.

If you Google binnacle there is not much on binnacles before about 1850 and the styles changed radically after that.

 

Here is a pic of what I did - it was fun to build - just like miniature furniture

 

 

 

Of course you could just put a satellite disk up in the main top 😉

 

Whether Niagara had any of these features is debatable. Remember they were in a race to complete before the Brits completed their build. No frills. What you had to have and nothing more. A compass on the ocean would have been mandatory. On a big lake, eh.

 

[cdrusn89]

Mike,

   I agree that a binnacle was probably somewhere but no one really knows since when raised in 1912/13 there wasn't much left of her above the deck. And a very nice binnacle you have there.

   I see you did not follow the kit deck furniture layout either. I have no idea how they would have used the capstan with the deck furniture as shown in the plans. I did something similar on my Niagara - put only gratings fore and aft of the capstan. I used the plans companionway structure but mounted it just forward of the tiller.

[MESSIS]

Like your micro furniture abilities! 

[Tom E]

Evening, 

Hope everyone is weathering this summertime heat. 

 

Recently I decided to put all my sub-assemblies on deck and see where I am. 

Not something I've done since before I started building the deck furniture. 

Must say I'm pleasantly surprised, although I do wish I could spend more time on her.

 

I must admit, I may have been spurred on by all the wonderful Niagara builds that are ongoing right now!

Seeing there progress is Inspiring.

Excuse the scotch tape holding some of the masts.

Absolutely nothing has been glued in place.

I see some furniture is backwards. 

My bad!

Work does slowly continue. 

The Main Rail has been primed and will be painted black. 

The Catheads are shaped, then stained the same shade as the deck furniture. 

I'll update that in the near future. 

 

Tom E 

 

 

[Jack12477]

Nice !

 

BTW who did the crow/raven and moose woodcarvings in the background ?  You ?

[Tom E]

Thanks Jack, 

 

The Crow and Moose are just plastic knick-knacks given to me by an Ex-Admiral. 

They've been with me for years now. 

I keep them as my Shipyard mascots I guess. 

 

Tom E 

[cdrusn89]

Very nice Tom. Much cleaner than mine at the moment. There seems to be no end to the debris that finds it was onto the deck. And the closer you to finishing the harder it gets to "clean house".

[Tom E]

Evening, 

Thanks Gary, really enjoying your Niagara! Really coming along nicely. 

 

I saw how you had trouble with the masts and not enough room for all the ropes at the cross trees. 

It has me re-thinking what I have so far, but I think I have it figured out.  

 

Started looking at the Anchors. Kind of a side project while other things have my main focus. 

I'm going to replace the Britannia stock with wood. 

Looks so much better.

The metal pieces will need a clean up. 

I also made cuts for the Catheads. 

I was insane keeping these things aligned. 

Measured, measured then re-measured, constantly checking alignment with a small ruler. 

Wish I had pics of it, quite the process! 

The Catheads received a good sanding, and all appropriate holes for the hardware were drilled. 

Was REAL careful with those Sheaves at the head. Slightest curve to the drill bit and you could come out anywhere!

They were then shaped to hug the Bulwarks at the Main rail. 

They were then stained an Early American. Same stain as most of the deck furniture and parts of the Bowsprit.  

I should have the eyebolts and brass bars installed shortly.

The brass bars I'm going to blacken with Birchwood-Casey.  

 

Tom E 

 

 

[Tom E]

Evening, 

Since this most recent heat wave has finally broken, one can actually turn on an oven, cook dinner, and not heat the house up!

Being that it is a nice comfortable day, and maybe I'm pushing it, but a nice roast turkey, potatoes and stuffing for a proper Sunday meal.

The house smells wonderful! 🦃

 

While all is cooking, time for an update.

I've gotten some great work done this weekend.  

 

Since I cut the openings for the Cat heads, time to get the Main rail painted. 

I started by priming the entire rail, this will dry for a few days. 

I'm going with a black Main rail.

Being my first build, and If I had the foresight, I would have liked to have stained the rail. 

But It was covered in glue streaks and paint.

So a good sanding then primed. The black should cover blemishes. 

The Catheads have there Eyebolts. 

These may look big/clunky, but I'm going with strength and functionality.

Looks like they may have a fair amount of strain on them when rigged with bullseyes and rope. 

I've also started building the Main Topmast Crosstrees. 

Fragile, but pretty straight forward. 

I was hoping to get the entire Top Mast done and primed before the end of the weekend. 

But being zealous in my sanding I snapped one of the Crosstrees. 

Not all the way thru but I could see where it cracked.

Placed a drop of Thin CA to soak into the crack and will let this sit.

No paint this weekend. 

 

Tom E 

 

 

 

[mikiek]

Tom - you should be very proud of your progress so far. And nothing wrong with smelling up the place with good food as long as you can keep the crew at a distance.....

[mikiek]

On 7/27/2019 at 4:30 AM, cdrusn89 said:

Mike,

   I agree that a binnacle was probably somewhere but no one really knows since when raised in 1912/13 there wasn't much left of her above the deck. And a very nice binnacle you have there.

   I see you did not follow the kit deck furniture layout either. I have no idea how they would have used the capstan with the deck furniture as shown in the plans. I did something similar on my Niagara - put only gratings fore and aft of the capstan. I used the plans companionway structure but mounted it just forward of the tiller.

 

On 7/27/2019 at 4:30 AM, cdrusn89 said:

Mike,

   I agree that a binnacle was probably somewhere but no one really knows since when raised in 1912/13 there wasn't much left of her above the deck. And a very nice binnacle you have there.

   I see you did not follow the kit deck furniture layout either. I have no idea how they would have used the capstan with the deck furniture as shown in the plans. I did something similar on my Niagara - put only gratings fore and aft of the capstan. I used the plans companionway structure but mounted it just forward of the tiller.

 

Gary - I was blessed to have the guidance of a builder who convinced me to go with a historical representation rather than a copy of todays version. Of course that required learning a lot about the history of the build and the times. While there were no plans and it is debatable what boats were actually dredged up in the several "restoration" efforts, given the need for an urgent completion, one can only surmise that only what was absolutely necessary was included in the build. I can't find the exact quote, but it is recorded that the head of the project told a builder  that excellence was not required. Good, was good enough. Everyone knew that win or lose, the boat would fight one fight only, so there was no point in "extras".

 

Joel and I took the approach that other than a capstan none of the other deck furniture was required. As quoted in an article he wrote - "Commodore Perry would have to read by candle light." The grate placements were completely a guess on my part. The positions of 2 of them were just to make easy the trick that I did adding stairs leading to the 2nd deck. You can see that here - post #167

 

MESSIS - thanks! It was fun working thru that side project.